Do Any of You Have a Friend/Loved One Who Has Been to Iraq, and Is Back There Again?

[TwinMom7]

We received word last night that our son will be going again later this year - to relieve another unit. Some of you followed Bobby and his unit while they were deployed during the early days of the war. He came home last June and I thought that it was "over". Now, that feeling in the pit of my stomach is back!

Just wondered if any of you have friends or loved ones doing a second tour of duty?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Awwwww, Patty. Sorry to hear that. Know well, as before, we will help through tough times as we can. God's safety be with him, and all who are stationed there, or anywhere, in harm's way.

 

[tiggerlover]

I can only imagine how you are feeling. I know that "feeling" of dread and I am sorry to hear that Bobby will be returning there once again. A friend of ours is deployed on a ship that was there last year. He was gone six months home barely a couple of months and then gone again for six months. Most definitely a difficult time for all that are deployed and their families.

 

[momof3disneyholics]

Although my husband didn't have to go, his unit, the 3rd ID will be going back sometime around January. My best friend's husband will be going back. In fact he just reenlisted so he could go back. I don't understand it, and neither does she. They have 2 kids and she is so worried about something happening to him. One of the army's mottos is to put duty first though.

 

[C.Ann]

Yes.. My best friends son-in-law just went back in February..

Now his wife gets to live with her stomach in knots 24/7 all over again..

Hope your boy stays safe and well!

 

[aprincessmom]

Yup. One of my co-workers. He just got back about 3 months ago and we just found out he will be leaving again in May. He was told to expect at least a 12 month deployment but not to be surprised if it turns out to be longer.

 

[TwinMom7]

There's a brotherhood that I don't think ANY of us can understand, unless we've lived it. They were each other's "family" for the six months that they were there. They ate, slept, fought, and cried with each other. They shared letters and food from home. Bobby always tells us that he was never afraid, because he knew that someone always "had his back". They trust each other implicitly - no questions asked. I'm sure it's that way in all branches of the service, but it's foremost in the minds of the Marine Corp.

 

[mckryan]

Originally posted by TwinMom7
Just wondered if any of you have friends or loved ones doing a second tour of duty?

Not currently, but we did it. DH left in December 2001, was home in July 2002, left again in November 2002 and home again in June 2003. After that he went to a new job that's non-deployable. Whew!

I feel for you because it's not fun. Unfortunately, because of the dramatic reduction in forces we don't have enough active-duty troops to cover the current middle east actions. We've exhausted our reserve and national guard units, too.

 

[jsmith]

My husband is there now-he is 60 days into a 365 day deployment (Army is keeping everyone to 365 days Boots on the Ground-I think the Marines are going 7 months) and his unit has already been told to expect that they will be home for a year and then go back. He could retire (will be at 27 yrs by the time the stoploss from this deployment is lifted) but I think he will stay in even knowing he has to go back.. I think they call it the Warrior Ethos.

I will add Bobby-and Bobbies mom-to my prayers.

 

[dizneenut]

Not this time around, but back in the Gulf War DH was in the war, then six months later he was back in the Gulf again. I hated every minute of it. He missed our first DS being born the first time around, then missed the second DS the second time.

 

[TigerBear]

I can't even imagine what you must be going through. (((Hugs))) and good thoughts coming your son's way. He is a true hero.

I have a friend who's dh got out of the army because he knew his unit was going to be sent back again. He accepted a job with a $30K cut in pay. They are just happy he is home for good.

 

[powellrj]

I remember when he came home and I am so sorry that he is going back.... My ds leaves soon and I am praying for him everyday. I spoke with him yesterday and his spirits were better than they had been in a while. I think he is to the place he just wants to get there so that he gets home soon... I just want them all to come home safe and soon.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

Hugs to you all....
i live near a military base in NJ and i know some peole that have gone "somewhere"..they never were allowed to say where,,but some did come back and leave again...i just graduated from high school last year and one of my friends just left yesterday to go to texas for basic training...

Good wishes to you and your son

 

[Jynohn]

My husband hasn't gone over yet, but we just got word that he'll be deployed this May. We were considering trying to have another baby, so I'm very glad we found out before we had another one on the way. It's going to be hard enough taking care of our two kids and working full time as it is

I'll be praying for the safe return of DH, Bobby, and all the other service men and women over there protecting us...

Jynohn

 

[TwinMom7]

I do appreciate the support I find here on the DIS. This time last year was probably the lowest point of my life, and yet I could always come here and find my pals - full of kind words and support - lifting my spirits.

 

[kadaten]

Originally posted by TwinMom7
We received word last night that our son will be going again later this year - to relieve another unit. Some of you followed Bobby and his unit while they were deployed during the early days of the war. He came home last June and I thought that it was "over". Now, that feeling in the pit of my stomach is back!

Just wondered if any of you have friends or loved ones doing a second tour of duty?

Sorry to hear he has to go again. DH has been lucky for now since he's with a training command they haven't had to go yet. Although our turn will come up when we transfer next year....

But my DCousin is in Afghanistan for the 3rd time right now...full 6+ month tours every time. He should be home sometime in the next month or so. He's with a Civil Affairs batallion of which there are few, so they have to go more often.

Hugs to you and your family....we'll be hoping for his safe and speedy return!
Katie

 

[olena]

He'll back there soon.